Tag Archives: Encouragement

“BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO PERSERVERES UNDER TRIAL…” (JAS 1:12)

We Christians have many reasons to celebrate. God is in His heaven; Christ has risen, and we are the sheep of His flock. That’s reason in itself to daily celebrate. Yet sometimes, even the most devout believers may become discouraged. After all, we live in a world where expectations can be high and demands can be even higher.

A lot of folks fail to meet the expectations of others (or, for that matter, the expectations that we have for ourselves), we may be tempted to abandon hope. But God has other plans. He knows exactly how He intends to use us. Our task is to remain faithful until He does.

If you have become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, turn your thoughts and prayers to God. He is a God of possibility, not negativity. He will help you count your blessings instead of your hardships. And then, with a renewed spirit of optimism and hope, you can properly thank Him for His blessings, His love and His Son.

“The fact that you have been knocked down is interesting – but the length of time you stay down – is all that’s really important.” I can’t recall the author who wrote or spoke these words but I remember the words well. You need to reconcile yourself to the fact that as you travel through life, you’ll have problems, and you’ll stumble. I believe the question here is, are you going to stay down, or are you going to get back up and keep on going? A lot of folks have been down so long that they’re comfortable there ~ and they’ll even trip you up just to have company. Watch out for these kinds of people!

These scriptures will give you staying power to reach your goal and move beyond the discouragement when it comes for a visit. “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe….he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock…I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Ps 27:5, 13). “Blessed is the man who preservers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (Jas 1:12). “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps 73:26). “…Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Heb 10: 35-26).

Corrie ten Boom so beautifully stated…”The strength that we claim from God’s Word does not depend on circumstances. Circumstances will be difficult, but our strength will be sufficient.”

These promises are yours; claim them today!

My Prayer of Grace Today ~ Dear Lord, when I am discouraged, give me perspective and faith. When I am weak, give me strength. When I am fearful, give me courage for the day ahead. I will trust in Your promises and live with the assurance that You are with me not only for this day, but also throughout all eternity. Amen!